Gerald Ivan Dudley, 79, of Muncie, went to his heavenly home on April 19, 2016. He was born May 6, 1936 in Henry County, Indiana, to Harold Ivan and Lillie Elizabeth Meredith Dudley.

In his teen years, Gerald became a pilot while working at the New Castle Airport and delivered the Courier-Times. He served in the U.S. Air Force for nine years. Much of that time was spent in Japan and North Africa. Later he worked as a welder for Indiana Bridge and at New Castle welding. He was gifted at woodworking and made clocks and many other things in his garage workshop.

Gerald was a member of the New Day Baptist Church in Muncie and looked forward to being with his church family each week.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, wife; Dona Dudley, stepson; Albert Harlow, brother; Frederick Leon Dudley, sister-in-laws; Jean Dudley and Glenita “Cookie” Dudley, brother-in-law; Byron Reese, nephew; Darryl Fredrick Dudley, and his daughter Michiho and her mother due to a house fire in Japan.

He is survived by his loving companion, Hogan the dachshund, brother; Don Edward Dudley of Cambridge City, sisters; Delores Ellen Mayes of Richmond, Betty Jean Rees of New Castle, Margaret Levan Azbill of Richmond, Stepsons; Alfred and Alvin Harlow, step-grandson; J.R. Harlow who lived with and watched over Gerald for over a year, as well as several other step grand-children, great-grand-children, and 18 nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held at New Day Baptist Church, 100 Holland St., Muncie, IN on Saturday, April 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 am, followed by a meal at Noon.

In Lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the New Day Baptist Church. Arrangements: Indiana Funeral Care.